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President's Leadership Team

Julie E. Wollman, PhD

President

President Wollman has been a passionate and effective advocate for higher education.
She has made it her goal that every Widener graduate will participate in project-based
interdisciplinary learning, engage in a global experience, and graduate with a leadership
minor or leadership certificate.

Dr. Wollman is deeply committed to the community. She serves on the boards of the
Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County, an economic development organization, and
the Chester Higher Education Council, a consortium of higher education leaders in
Delaware County, PA. As a recognized leader in higher education, Dr. Wollman also
serves on the board of directors of New American Colleges and Universities, the Mid-Atlantic
Conference of the NCAA, and American Association of University Administrators.

A graduate of Harvard University where she majored in English and American literature
and language and minored in French, Dr. Wollman earned her master of science in education
from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctor of philosophy in education from
New York University.

Dr. Wollman lives in Wallingford, PA with her husband Dan King and the two unofficial
mascots of Widener University – her dogs Leila, a cocker spaniel and Oliver, a St.
Bernard.

Fred Akl, PhD, PE

Provost

Dr. Fred Akl, provost, joined Widener University as the dean for the School of Engineering
in 1998. As provost, his responsibilities include overseeing academic and student
affairs across three campuses.

Achievements during his leadership of the School of Engineering include increasing
enrollment, launching innovative new programs, significantly increasing community
engagement and experiential learning opportunities, and expanding the national recognition
of the school.

His engagement in the community includes serving on the boards of the 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, i2N Economic Development Organization, Crozer-Keystone
Health System, Keystone Innovation Zone, and other organizations.

Akl received his bachelor’s degree from Cairo University, graduate certificate from
Delft University of Technology, master’s and doctorate degrees in civil engineering
from The University of Calgary, as well as a certificate of management and leadership
in education from Harvard University.

Katie Herschede, EdD

Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff

As vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff for the Office of the
President at Widener, Herschede will work directly with President Wollman on a wide
range of strategic initiatives and will be a member of the President’s Leadership
Team. She will be responsible for directing the operations of the Office of the President,
represent the interests of the president to various internal and external constituencies,
and work directly with the Board of Trustees.

Prior to her most recent role at Northern Kentucky University, Herschede served as
assistant director and later director of government and community relations at the
university from 2006 to 2010.

Herschede received her doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Kentucky
University, her master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from the University
of South Carolina, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern
Kentucky University.

Joseph J. Baker, CPA, MBA

Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance

Joseph J. Baker, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, joined Widener
University in May 1999 and directs the daily administrative and financial matters
of the university. His responsibilities include enrollment management, athletics,
operations and maintenance, human resources, compliance, risk management, legal, and
campus safety, as well as all financial functions. He was Chair of the Strategic Planning
Steering Committee for the university’s first comprehensive strategic plan, Vision
2015, and is currently serving as Co-chair of that same committee for the Vision 2021
strategic plan.

Prior to joining Widener, Mr. Baker spent 20 years in the insurance industry, first
at Philadelphia Life Insurance Company and then at Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company/Combined
Insurance Company of America Group Division. He served as Senior Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer at Union Fidelity and was responsible for financial planning
and operations.

Mr. Baker currently serves on the Board of Directors of University Technology Park,
Widener Partnership Charter School, the Eastern Association of College and University
Business Officers (EACUBO), and The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia. He also
serves on the member services committee of the Association of Independent Colleges
and Universities in Pennsylvania.

Senior Vice President Baker received his bachelor of science in accounting from LaSalle
University and a master of business administration from the Wharton School of the
University of Pennsylvania. He attended the Institute for Educational Management program
at Harvard University.

He has also taught courses as an adjunct faculty member for the Widener masters of
public administration program.

Eric Behrens, MA

Vice President for Library and Information Services

Eric Behrens, Vice President for Library and Information Services, oversees all university
activities and services for the Information Technology Services (ITS) department and
Wolfgram Memorial Library. He is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive
and forward-thinking strategy for leveraging information, data, and technology.

Behrens joined Widener in 2016 as chief information officer, overseeing technology
operations across all three Widener University campuses. Prior to joining Widener,
he garnered extensive higher education experience as associate chief information technology
officer at Swarthmore College and has more than 20 years of experience collaborating
with librarians to develop innovative shared services and projects.

Behrens received his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University
and bachelor’s degree in theater studies from Swarthmore College. He is on the faculty
of the EDUCAUSE Institute New IT Managers Program and formerly served on the EDUCAUSE
Learning Initiative advisory board.

Terry Travis, MA

Vice President, University Advancement

As the vice president for university advancement, Travis leads the University Advancement
team comprised of roughly 35 Development, Alumni Engagement, and University Relations
professionals. Her work is dedicated to strengthening relationships with Widener and
Pennsylvania Military College alumni, raising funds to advance the university’s mission
and vision, and communicating Widener’s commitment to excellence through its marketing
and its internal and external storytelling channels.

A native of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Travis holds a bachelor’s degree in business
administration, finance, and a master’s degree in education from La Salle University,
and a project management certificate from Saint Joseph’s University. In addition to
her work at Saint Joseph’s, Travis has also served as assistant vice president for
development at La Salle University, and senior director of development at Villanova
University.